President urges IORA to work out a stable legal order to confront illicit drug
smuggling - President at the IORA Leaders' Summit

President urges IORA to work out a stable legal order to confront
illicit drug smuggling - President at the IORA Leaders' Summit

[March 08 2017]

President
Maithripala Sirisena, addressing
the Indian Ocean Rim Association
Leaders' Summit suggested to
work out a stable legal order to
confront with the issue of
illicit drugs, in conformity
with the principles of the
freedom of navigation.

"I suggest IORA to work out a stable legal order to
confront these concerns in the conformity It is universally recognized
that all littoral states possess a maritime area bordering their coasts
within which they exercise complete authority. However, beyond this
limit comprise high seas and are not subject to the jurisdiction of any
state. Most of the illicit drugs are smuggled into the country from the
sea beyond the territorial waters", he said.

Sri Lanka being an island nation has always had a firm
interest in the Indian Ocean region. In this context, IORA has
undoubtedly been a key initiative in strengthening Sri Lanka's
cooperation within this region, and in further reaping the true benefits
from the Indian Ocean, the President further said.

The National Unity Government of Sri Lanka has
undertaken measures to restore our position in the Indian Ocean Region,
with a clear manifestation to enter the global value chain, by becoming
the regional hub for trade, tourism, transport and logistics, he added